Westside Plans for Labor Day Weekend
For those of us who live and breathe the Westside, the last long weekend of summer is a special one. This Labor Day, we’ve got a few curated ideas that reach a bit beyond the beach day (which is also a perfect way to spend the weekend!)—from exclusive dining to hidden-gem hikes and tours.
Malibu
Skip the busy public lots and head for an experience you won’t find on a map. Instead of a hard-to-get reservation, consider an incredible dining option at Malibu icon Taverna Tony on Cross Creek Road. A local institution, this spot is perfect for a lively and relaxed cocktail hour on the patio or a full Mediterranean Feast. For a more adventurous, yet equally sophisticated plan, take a sunrise hike at Point Dume to secure a prime parking spot, then reward yourself with a post-hike brunch at Malibu Farm Pier Cafe, for the food and the view. And for a truly unique and nostalgic experience, book a private Vintage VW Bus Tour with Malibu Wine Hikes. This two-hour tour is a chauffeured ride through the private Saddlerock Ranch vineyard, complete with stops for tastings, photo ops by the iconic yellow VW frame, and a playlist of vintage tunes. It’s a perfect, personalized escape for a small group.
Santa Monica
This weekend, bypass the carnival atmosphere of the Pier and head to the beach for a truly local tradition. Kick off your morning with a free community beach yoga session hosted by a local studio, a perfect way to center yourself before the day’s activities. The real insider move is a long, leisurely brunch at Fia or a rooftop cocktail at the Proper Hotel or The Huntley, where the ocean views are spectacular and the atmosphere is effortlessly cool. For a bit of culture, swing by the Santa Monica Farmers Market on Sunday to pick up fresh, local ingredients for your Labor Day barbecue.
Venice & Marina Del Rey
Everyone knows the Venice Boardwalk, but few know its best-kept secrets. Avoid the crowds and check out a local gallery for a last-minute art show or peruse the high-end boutique shops on Abbot Kinney. In Marina Del Rey, forget the crowded public cruises. Instead, charter an electric boat for a private tour of the harbor, a tranquil and intimate way to celebrate the holiday with family and friends. For a more lively but still local-centric scene, a waterfront table at The Anchor is a must, known for its incredible seafood and neighborhood vibe.
Pacific Palisades
The Palisades is a community in the midst of a powerful rebuilding journey. While many public spaces remain under repair, the most meaningful way to spend this Labor Day in Palisades is by supporting the local businesses that are the heart of this effort. The Palisades Farmers Market, for example, is currently operating out of a shared space in Brentwood while the Village is being rebuilt and renewed, a testament to its commitment to serving the community.
From a beach day bbq, to a great dinner or a wine hike tour, the Westside offers an endless array of ways to celebrate the holiday weekend. We hope you get out and enjoy everything that makes our corner of the world the perfect place to call home.